Members of Team China celebrate after winning the final match between China and South Korea at BWF Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, Southeast China's Fujian province, May 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The 2025 Sudirman Cup Finals concluded on Sunday in Xiamen, Fujian province with China defeating long-time rival South Korea 3-1 in the final to secure their fourth consecutive title and 14th badminton mixed team world crown in total.
The final marked yet another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two badminton powerhouses. It was the 16th consecutive Sudirman Cup final appearance for China and the seventh time they faced South Korea in the championship match.
Prior to this meeting, China held a slight edge with four wins out of six finals against the Koreans. In their most recent encounter, China had claimed a 3-0 sweep in the 2023 final held in Suzhou, Jiangsu province.
The 2025 final opened with a tense mixed doubles match. Chinese pair Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping drew first blood by taking the opening game, but South Korea fought back to win the second. In a gripping third game, Feng and Huang held their nerve to prevail 2-1, giving China an early lead.
Shi Yuqi (L) and Wang Chang (R) of China holds the trophy during the awarding ceremony at BWF Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, Southeast China's Fujian province, May 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
South Korea responded swiftly in the women's singles match, where reigning Olympic champion An Se-young outlasted China's Wang Zhiyi 21-17, 21-16, leveling the score at 1-1 after a hard-fought fight.
China regained momentum in the men's singles as Shi Yuqi delivered a dominant performance against Jeon Hyeok-jin. Shi overwhelmed his opponent with back-to-back 21-5 victories, putting China one win away from the title.
In the decisive women's doubles match, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning capitalized on the opportunity, defeating their Korean opponents 21-14, 21-17 to seal the 3-1 triumph and spark celebrations among the home crowd in Xiamen.
Sixteen teams competed in this year's Sudirman Cup, with China entering as the top seed. The squad featured a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents.
China cruised through the group stage to top their pool, then dispatched Malaysia 3-0 in the quarterfinals and swept Japan by the same scoreline in the semifinals, setting the stage for the final clash against South Korea.
This year's tournament marked the first major international event of the new Olympic cycle leading to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. China's successful title defense not only reinforces their dominance in world badminton but also signals a strong start to their new Olympic journey.
liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn
